Reasons for High Creatinine and Uric Acid

Martin Hughes

About the Author:

Martin Hughes

Martin Hughes is a chiropractic physician, health writer and the co-owner of a website devoted to natural footgear. He writes about health, fitness, diet and lifestyle. Hughes earned his Bachelor of Science in kinesiology at the University of Waterloo and his doctoral degree from Western States Chiropractic College in Portland, Ore.

Numerous conditions cause high levels of creatinine and uric acid in your body. According to the MedlinePlus website, creatinine is a breakdown product of creatine, an important part of your muscles. Uric acid is a chemical that is created when your body breaks down purines -- substances found in certain foods and beverages such as liver, anchovies, mackerel, beer and wine. Certain medical conditions elevate creatinine and uric acid.

Kidney Disease

Kidney disease elevates creatinine and uric acid. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, or NIDDK, over 100,000 Americans are diagnosed with kidney disease each year. Kidney disease, also known as kidney failure, is a serious condition that impairs the kidneys to rid your body of metabolic waste products. Kidney failure is the end-stage of chronic kidney disease. Common signs and symptoms associated with kidney disease include elevated creatinine and uric acid levels, decreased urine output, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, fatigue, weakness, sleep problems, reduced mental sharpness, muscle cramps, swelling of your feet and ankles and persistent itching. The NIDDK states that diabetes and hypertension are the most common causes of kidney disease, although other conditions can also cause kidney failure.

Renal Insufficiency

Renal insufficiency is a kidney-related condition that can cause increased creatinine and uric acid levels. The University of California-Davis Health System describes renal insufficiency as the poor function of kidneys possibly caused by a reduction of blood flow to your kidneys. Renal artery disease, or renal artery stenosis, decrease blood flow to your kidneys. According to the Cleveland Clinic common signs and symptoms associated with renal insufficiency include elevated levels of creatinine and uric acid, increased blood pressure, fluid retention and heart problems. Certain risk factors may increase your likelihood of developing renal insufficiency, including advanced age, gender, genetics, race or ethnicity, smoking and obesity.

Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure can cause increased creatinine and uric acid levels. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, congestive heart failure is an ongoing condition that develops gradually. If you have congestive heart failure, your heart is unable to pump adequate amounts of blood to your cells, tissues and organs. As your heart's ability to pump blood diminishes, blood can back up into your lungs, liver or legs. Common signs and symptoms associated with congestive heart failure include increased creatinine and uric acid levels, shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness, irregular heartbeat, decreased exercise capacity, persistent cough, wheezing, abdominal swelling, sudden weight gain, lack of appetite and nausea. High blood pressure and coronary artery disease rank as the most common causes of congestive heart failure, according to UMMC.